Modulation of aggressive behavior in fish by alcohol and congeners

Studies of alcohol and congener effects on the aggressive behavior of fish have been reviewed. It is clear that alcohol has both depressing effects at very low and very high doses and a facilitating effect at moderate doses. Congener effects as they are present in bourbon and in rum appear to have aggression-inhibiting effects. A study of the most prevalent congener in rum and some bourbons, acetaldehyde, demonstrated that it is psychoactive and has a depressing effect on aggressive behavior at doses that do not cause locomotor decrements.